VANDALS stole an axe and hacked down trees in Tameside's only nature reserve over the weekend.

A warden at Eastwood reserve in Cheethams Park, which was the RSPB's first reserve, says the beauty spot is regularly targeted but this time yobs have left a 'trail of devastation'.

They broke in on Saturday night and raided the reserve hut before pushing it over. It is suspected they then used an axe stolen from the hut to chop young oaks and other varieties of tree down.

Only last week vandals tried to set fire to the bridge in the Stalybridge reserve, which is a haven for a number of different species of bird including woodpeckers and owls. Volunteer wardens have been shot at by vandals with pellet guns and spend most weekends clearing rubbish rather than tending to wildlife.

Volunteer warden Ann Hayden says the situation is breaking her heart.

"I'm absolutely devastated. They pushed the hut over and the fire service had to put it back in place. They've stolen tools from the hut as well as an axe," she said.

"It's such a shame because it should be a place for the people of Tameside to enjoy but it's always being damaged.Tameside Council should maintain the fences around it but they don't so the vandals get in easily."

In response the council said: "The issues of vandalism that affect Eastwood Nature Reserve also affect Cheetham's Park and other parks in the area. We are interested in working with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust and the RSPB to find a more innovative solution to these problems and a meeting was held recently to discuss the way forward".

Anyone who knows anything about the damage should contact police on 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.